Load management system for backpacks and other wearable packs with shoulder straps

ABSTRACT

A wearable pack has a generally pliable body defining a volume for the containment of articles, the body generally having a height, width, and depth, at least one shoulder strap secured to the body, at least one tension strap secured to the body at a first anchor point and adjustably secured to the body at a second anchor point, the tension strap routing through at least one channel disposed on the body between the anchor points so that the tension strap is accessible in a frontal plane of the wearer so that the wearer does not need to reach rearwardly of the frontal plane to pull the tension strap.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication Serial Number 61/250,392, filed Oct. 9, 2009, by CaelinWhite, et al. entitled LOAD MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR BACKPACKS AND OTHERWEARABLE PACKS WITH SHOULDER STRAPS, the contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference as if recited in full herein for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

The inventive subject matter is generally directed to wearable packs andbags, such as backpacks, that have a body portion defining a volume forcontainment of articles and have one or more shoulder straps forsecuring the body portion to the torso of a wearer. More particularly,the inventive subject matter is directed to a strap system thatadjustably compacts the volume of the body portion.

While once mainly the province of backwoods adventurers and soldiers,backpacks and other wearable packs are now widely used across the globeto contain and carry various kinds of articles used in everyday life.Students use them to ferry books and notebooks around. Business peopleuse them to transport and protect laptops and other digital or high techgear. Bicycle commuters use them on jaunts to the grocery store.

Even with the growth in the popularity of the wearable pack, a long-feltneed exists for certain improvements.

One problem with existing packs is that they can be large and bulky.This may be a design necessity so that the pack can accommodate bothlarge and small loads. Unfortunately for the wearer, if a given load issmall, the pack remains bulky and the load may not position well on thewearer's body, impeding movement and balance. While shoulder straps on apack are typically adjustable to raise or lower a pack, the overall sizeof the pack may still be oversized or undersized relative to a wearer'sbody. This may still result in poor management of the weight in thepack, detrimentally affecting the balance and comfort of a wearer. Itmay also result in an unstylish appearance for the fashion-mindedwearer.

Further, shoulder straps do not vary the volume of the body of a pack.Therefore, contents inside the body may shift around.

Attempting to address some of the problems, some backpacks may provideon their bodies adjustable straps that have opposite ends adjustablesecured to anchor points on the body of a pack between which a strapextends. Pulling on a strap compresses the back between the anchorpoints. Backpacks may also have a drawstring system that constricts thecircumference at the top of the body of the pack. The routing ofexisting strap systems may limit or interfere with the use of pocketsand compartment on the pack. For example, straps that cinch together thesides of the body of a pack to make the pack thinner impede the use ofside openings. Therefore, the objectives of securing loads and providingeasy access to pockets or compartments on the pack are in conflict. Anoption of side access is desirable because it could allow for convenientremoval and placement of a laptop computer in a protective compartment,for example, eliminating the need to open a main compartment of thepack, during airport security screenings.

Yet another problem is that the existing art of wearable packs does notprovide a way to adequately adjust pack compactness on the fly. Becauseadjustment straps on the body of a pack are positioned on the body ofthe pack, adjusting the compactness of a pack on the fly is not possibleor difficult: (1) either the user must remove the pack, which can bevery inconvenient, in the case of, for example, a biker or hiker; or (2)the user must reach rearwardly to blindly search for straps on the bodyof the pack. This effort can be not only inconvenient but also unsafe,as an uncareful user may lose balance and positioning. The effort mightalso strain and injure the muscles and ligaments of an uncareful user.

In view of the foregoing problems and other problems not mentioned atthis time, there is a need for improved systems for backpacks, and otherwearable packs with shoulder straps, that provide for one or more of:(1) adjustability to conform to the body of a given user, a volume of aparticular load and/or a weight of a particular load; (2) adjustabilityon the fly so wearer's do not need to remove a pack; (3) accessibilityto compartments and pockets, without interference from compressionstraps; and (4) stylishness and comfortableness.

SUMMARY

The inventive subject matter overcomes the problems and disadvantages inthe prior art by providing tension systems for wearable packs that allowfor easy, convenient and efficient adjustment and securement of variablesized loads, and which improve the pack's fit and load management forvariably sized wearers.

In one possible embodiment the inventive subject matter is directed to awearable pack having a generally pliable body defining a volume for thecontainment of articles, the body generally having a height, width, anddepth; at least one shoulder strap secured to the body; at least onetension strap secured to the body at a first anchor point and adjustablysecured to the body at a second anchor point, the tension strap routingthrough at least one channel disposed on the body between the anchorpoints so that the tension strap is accessible in a frontal plane of thewearer so that the wearer does not need to reach rearwardly of thefrontal plane to pull the tension strap.

In another possible embodiment, the inventive subject matter is directedto a wearable pack having a generally pliable body defining a volume forthe containment of articles, the body generally having dimensions ofheight, width, and depth, and three of a front surface, a back surface,a top surface, a bottom surface, and left and right side surfacesurfaces defining the volume for containment of articles; at least oneshoulder strap secured to the body; and at least one tension strapsecured to the body at a first anchor point and adjustably secured tothe body at a second anchor point, the tension strap routing through atleast one channel disposed on the body between the anchor points so thatadjustment of tension on the tension strap adjusts two or more of thedimension simultaneously.

These and other embodiments are described in more detail in thefollowing Detailed Description section and the Figures.

The foregoing is not intended to be an exhaustive list of embodimentsand features of the inventive subject matter. Persons skilled in the artare capable of appreciating other embodiments and features from thefollowing detailed description in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following figures show embodiments according to the inventivesubject matter, unless noted as showing prior art.

FIG. 1 shows a front side, left perspective view of a wearable pack withan inventive strap system.

FIG. 2 shows a backside elevational view of the pack of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a right side elevational view of the pack of FIG. 1

FIG. 4 shows a top, plan view of the pack of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 5 and 5A shows one possible embodiment of strap system componentsusable in the pack of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 shows the strap components of FIG. 5 assembled with further strapsystem components.

FIG. 7 shows the strap components of FIG. 6 assembled with further strapsystem components.

FIG. 8 shows a cutaway, left side elevational view of the pack of FIG. 1illustrating one possible internal routing of a strap system.

FIG. 9 shows the embodiment of FIG. 3 having an optionalbackside-accessible compartment.

FIG. 10 shows a backside, left perspective of another embodiment of awearable pack.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show details of encircled areas 10A-10A and 10B-10B inFIG. 10.

FIGS. 11A-11B illustrate a mode of operation for an wearable packaccording to the inventive subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The term “wearable pack”, as used herein, refers broadly to wearablepacks with shoulder straps, along the lines of backpacks, rucksacks,daypacks, messenger bags, totes and other packs with one or moreshoulder straps. “Backpack”, unless context indicates otherwise, means apack with a pair of shoulder straps.

FIGS. 1-11B illustrate possible embodiments of a wearable pack 10, 110,which in this case is a backpack. These embodiments will generally beused to illustrate the inventive subject matter, although the inventivesubject matter is not to be limited by them. The body 12 of the pack 10has a generally pliable overall construction of at least a front surface14, a back surface 16, a top surface 18, a bottom surface 20, and sidesurfaces 24 and 26 that interconnect with the other surfaces. Thearrangement of the surfaces defines a volume for containment ofarticles. In the context of surfaces 14, 16, 18, 20, 24, and 26, theterm “surfaces” is used broadly to mean a generally sheet-or panel-likestructure with a side that faces outward and a side that faces inwardwhen assembled into the body of the pack. The surfaces need not cometogether in discrete joints; they may merge together in curvinginterfaces, for example. In at least the case of backpacks, the body isgenerally sized and shaped so that it fits comfortably against the backof the wearer. In some cases, it may be contoured to conform to thecontours of anatomy of a back. Generally, it is dimensioned so as not toexceed about the width of the back, or the length between the waist andshoulders of the intended wearer. Backpacks may be sized and shapeddifferently to accommodate variations in height, e.g., small, medium, orlarge. Or they may be sized and shaped to fit gender or age categories,e.g., men, women, or children. Notably, the top side or bottom sidesurfaces or both could be essentially eliminated in whole or part bymerging together the top edges of the front surface 14 and back surface16, and/or the bottom edges of the front surface 14 and the back surface16, creating wedges (not shown or present in the illustrated embodiment)where the surfaces join. Similarly, surfaces could be reduced in profileby using curves, for example, to merge surfaces. The side surfaces 24and 26 could also be joined or merged in similar fashion. The surfacesare not necessarily continuous surfaces; they may be interrupted byzippers, netted sections, and cords for example.

Typically, the body of a pack includes an opening at the top of thepack. The opening may extend down one or both sides of the pack. Theopening may be provided via a zipper running through surfaces of thepack or it may be provided by a hingeable section along the top and/orsides of the pack. The opening typically leads into a main compartmentof the pack. The body may have other openings into the main compartment,which may be closeable openings or permanent openings. For example,there may be openings from the front, sides, and/or bottom surfaces ofthe pack. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-9, a zipper 28 for a maincompartment runs from the top of the pack down the side of the pack.

Accordingly, the main compartment may be accessed via an opening on oneside of the pack. The pack may also have a dedicated laptop compartmentthat is accessed on the back panel. Access to that compartment may beprovided via a zipper running from part way up one side, around the top,to part way down the other side. The laptop compartment zipper is awayfrom the straps, so access is secure yet easy.

In addition to the main compartment, the body may include any number ofother compartments for containment of articles. Other compartments, suchas a compartment 32 on the front body 12, may be arranged adjacent,side-to-side or up and down relative to the main compartment or to eachother. The body, including any of its compartments, may also havepockets arranged on the inside or outside of the compartments. Forexample, a pocket 34 may also be arranged on the front of body 12. Inthis example, compartment 32 and pocket 34 are disposed on a panel ofmaterial that separates them from main compartment 32. Generally,“compartments” refers to relatively large areas for holding things suchas, sleeping bags, laptops, articles of clothing, books, etc. Generally,“pockets” refers to relatively smaller areas for holding things, such aswallets, mobile phones, media players, water bottles, etc. However,there is not always a clear dividing line between what a compartment isand what a pocket is, beyond the main compartment of a pack.

In one basic embodiment, the inventive subject matter is directed to awearable pack having a body defining a volume for the containment ofarticles. The backpack includes one or more shoulder straps, in theillustrated example, straps 36 and 38. One or more adjustable tensionstraps, e.g., tension straps 40 and 42, are secured to the body atanchor points and route into a spaced-away channel or channels that aredisposed on the pack at a position that is readily accessible to awearer. In the illustrated example, there are two tension straps 40 and42. Each tension strap is accessible from an exit or exposed portion ofthe channel so that it may be grabbed by a wearer to adjust the strap'stension. To avoid the disadvantages noted above in the prior art wherewearer's cannot easily find straps, the inventive subject matter'sfeatures include a placement of tension strap sections where user's caneasily find them without the need to remove the pack or blindly reachfor them. This can be a location in the frontal plane of the body, whichin this context includes the sides of the body. In one possibleembodiment, the channel is positioned substantially along a shoulderstrap of the pack. In another possible embodiment, the channel ispositioned along the front portion of hip belt (not shown or present inthe illustrated embodiment) on the pack.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5-7, the shoulder straps 36 and 38 includechannels 44 and 46. The channels may be defined as tubular structuresformed on or in the shoulder straps 36 and 38. A surface on the strap44A or 46A (FIGS. 5-6) provides one portion of the structure. A secondsurface 44B or 46B (FIG. 7) is sewn or otherwise fastened along its edgeto that surface to form the tubular structure (channel) into which atension strap 40 or 42 is slideably disposed. The tension straps enterthe channel at the top of the structure and exits at the bottom.Adjustment mechanisms 48 and 50 are anchored to the shoulder strapsbelow the exits of channels 44 and 46. The adjustment mechanisms may beanchored by any known means of anchoring fasteners to fabrics or sheetsof materials. In this example, the fasteners come with flanges made offabric, which are, for example, stitched onto the pack surface. The endportions of the tension straps are slideably disposed in the adjustmentmechanisms. Channels on the adjustment strap need not be elongatedstructures. In their simplest form, they may be thin profile openings.For example, the openings in the adjustment mechanism may be consideredto provide channels, in addition to or instead of channels 44 and 46.Further the elongate channels 44 and 46 may be integrated with theadjustment mechanism and not spaced away as is the case of theillustrated embodiment. The free ends of the strap may be stored inoptional channels 45 and 47, which may be short bands of materials withtheir ends stitched to the shoulder straps. The straps may have optionalembroidery, 60, as shown in FIG. 7. The shoulder straps may be made of420 D Nylon, 61, for example.

By positioning one or more channels for the tension straps in front ofor at about the front plane, the tension strap may be easily grasped sothat the wearer can find it easily by sight or without reachingrearwardly. Adjustment of the tension strap draws parts of the packtogether along the lines the tension strap follows,compressing/uncompressing the pack. Advantageously, multiple tensionstraps may be anchored and arranged on the pack so that there aremultiple lines of tension, allowing the pack to be compressed along anyone or more of its dimensional axes: it may be compressed to adjustheight, width, and/or depth. Also, advantageously, the routing of thetension strap across a plurality of surfaces 14, 16, 18, 20, and 24,allows for one, two or three dimensions of height, width and depth to besimultaneously changed with the change in tension on a tension strap.The tensions straps may also be arranged to change the shape of thepack, from e.g., a generally rectangular shape to a generally roundershape.

A tension strap need not have a linear path but may slideably routethrough angle or direction changing structures or fixtures on the pack,such as curved channels, flexible cable housing anchored it desiredconfigurations, pulleys, loops, rings, sheaves, links swivels, pad eyes,and the like.

In certain embodiments the tension straps extend along at least entirelengths of surfaces of the body of a pack, e.g., from bottom to top edgeof a front side of the pack (pack height), or from front edge to backedge on a bottom side of a pack (pack depth at bottom of pack), or fromfront edge to back edge along a top side of the pack (pack depth at topof the pack). In certain embodiments the routing of a tension strap mayspan the length of two or more of such surfaces. In some embodiments, itcan span the length of at least three such surfaces. If desired, theroutes could span all surfaces.

In the example embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, the tension straps40 and 42 span from across some or all of a bottom surface 20 (packdepth at bottom surface), across all of the front side surface (packheight), and over a top surface (pack depth at top surface). In theaforesaid embodiment, the strap may further extend into a channel on ashoulder strap. Looking more particularly at the illustrated embodiment,especially FIG. 8, and using tension strap 40 as representative (therouting of tension strap 42 mirroring that of 40), the tension strap hasone end anchored to the pack at about were the back surface 16 andbottom surface 20 join. The strap slideably extends through a guide 52and upwardly from the bottom of front surface 14 and through a channelformed between a back surface of pocket 34 and the main compartment 30.A short section of the strap is exposed between pocket 34 andcompartment 32 as it continues upward routing into a channel formedbetween compartment 32 and main compartment 30. The strap exits thechannel at the top of compartment 32 and continues upwardly routing.Again it is exposed at just below about where front surface 14 and topsurface 18 join. The tension strap then routes within a channel formedin the top surface 14. Next, the channel extends to back surface 16. Thestrap exits the back surface and is routed into the top opening ofchannel 44 on the shoulder strap. This routing, extending around bottom,front and top surfaces, causes the pack to simultaneously compact inboth height and depth when the tension strap is pulled. In contrast,conventional systems typically have independent straps that areindependently adjustable.

It is noted that the routing of the tension strap may be wholly orpartially visible on the exterior of the pack. In the exampleembodiments, the routing is substantially hidden from view, except for afew small sections that are exposed. Accordingly, routing channels maybe on the inner or outer sides of surfaces 14, 16, 18, 20 and 24 orassociated shoulder straps or hip belts. The channels may be formed inbetween most any layers or assemblies of materials used in theconstruction of the pack. They may also be discrete structures locatedamong the layers.

FIG. 9 shows the embodiment of FIG. 3 having an optionalbackside-accessible compartment 35, separated from the main compartment24, for storing an object such as a laptop 3. The compartment may beaccessed by, for example a closeable flap 37.

FIG. 10 shows another possible embodiment of a backpack 110 withinventive features. In this example, two tension straps are used,similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-9. In this embodiment, the tensionsstraps 140, 142 each have one of their ends anchored on a lower portionof the front surface of the pack, e.g., anchor point 141. The strapsroute from the anchor points across the bottom surface, and upwardlyacross the back surface. They are routed from the top of the backsurface to the shoulder straps 136, 138, where they are adjustablysecured. FIG. 10A shows a detail of encircled area 10A-10A. A slot orother aperture 137 allows a tension strap 140, 142 to route out of thetopside of the pack onto a strap 136, 138. Similarly, FIG. 10B shows adetail of encircled area 10B-10B. A slot or anchor point 139 allows atension strap 140, 142 to route into the bottom side of the pack withrouting schemes discussed elsewhere.

The anchor points used with strap portions may be fixed using knownmeans, such as stitching (anchor points 41, 43), gluing, stapling,bolting, riveting, or thermally fusing. Or the relationship may beadjustable using known adjustment means, such as clasps, buckles,clamps, hook and loop fasteners, etc. One particularly suitable buckletype is a hinged cam buckle (e.g., adjustment mechanisms 48 and 50),which allows the wearer to tension a tension strap by pulling on theportion of the strap extending from the buckle. During tensioning, apulled angling of the strap disengage the hinge mechanism, rotating itopen and allowing the strap to slide through. When the user is done andreleases the strap, the angle is lost and the tensioned strap the hingemechanism to engage the strap, keeping it from slipping back. Theadjustment mechanisms described herein are well known in the art andneed not be detailed further.

FIGS. 11A-B indicates a mode of tensioning a wearable pack according tothe inventive subject matter. In FIG. 11A, the pack has not beentensioned fully. In FIG. 11B, Arrow 154 shows the path of tension forthe tension straps as the user applies tension to the tension straps onthe shoulder straps. From that path, it can be understood that thetension simultaneous lifts up the bottom of the pack, decreasing packheight, and also compresses the lower portion of pack in depth.

As noted, a tension strap may route from an anchor point on the pack tothe entry in a channel on, for example, the shoulder strap and out anexit of the channel. The channel may be an elongate tunnel-likestructure integrated into the shoulder strap by, for example,overlapping fabric and stitching in parallel spaced lines. The channelmay be simply a clamp or buckle-like structure disposed on or in theshoulder strap. For example, in a center-bar buckle, the buckle has oneor more bars disposed in a frame. The combination of the frame and acenter bar define two openings on either side of the center bar. Oneopening may be considered the opening of a channel and the other sidemay be considered the exit from the channel.

The exit of the channel allows for the exit of a section of the tensionstrap, which could be grabbed by a wearer. An adjustment mechanism maybe associated with the section, typically a free end portion, to allowfor adjustment in the tension of the tension strap, in the same way thatan adjustment mechanism for a shoulder strap allows adjustment intension. Generally, the same kinds of adjustment mechanisms could beused for both the tension straps and the shoulder straps. It is noted,that free ends of the straps need not actually exit a channel; instead,they could remain routed within the shoulder strap. All that is neededis that a non-free end portion of the tension strap be accessible at theexit so that it can be grabbed by a wearer.

The tension strap also could be based on a loop and not have free-ends.Instead the ends of the loop are secured at different anchor points. Aloop end could be routed through an adjustment mechanism at one or bothanchor points, to provide adjustments in tension between the anchorpoints.

As used herein, “strap” is meant to refer to not only pliable, webbingand band-like structures but also individual filaments or bundles offilaments, chains, cords, cables, etc. that provide the functionalityfor the purposes described herein. A strap may have an elastic orinelastic construction. It may also have a construction of elastic andinelastic sections.

The shoulder strap systems may be a pair of shoulder straps, as is knownin conventional backpacks or a long, single strap that fits over oneshoulder, across a wearer's chest and under the arm opposite theshoulder, as is known in messenger bags.

The shoulder strap system can be based on single-ply straps of materialor they can be a composite of materials, as is known in higher-endbackpacks for carrying heavier loads. Often, the portion of the shoulderstrap that bears against a wearer's body is made using a padded orcushioning material or construction. For example, it may be a compositeof a cellular foam material, such as polyurethane, molded or cut EVAfoam (ethylene-vinyl acetate), padded mesh—often known as nylon orpolyester spacer mesh-surrounded by or joined to a fabric such as nylon.

In addition to the shoulder straps for carrying the body of the pack onthe body of a wearer, the pack may also optionally include a handle 22.

The body 12 may be constructed of one or more plies of thin, pliablematerial. Typical pliable materials for use in the body include, naturaland synthetic materials, Nylon fabrics, polyester fabrics, natural orsynthetic rubber or rubber-like plies of material, animal hides (e.g.,leather), cotton, canvas, hemp, wool, and fabric blends. These materialscan be used singly or in combination with each other. The body may beformed using materials having continuous surfaces such as Nylon plainweave or twill fabric or perforated surfaces such as net or webstructures. As a main consideration, the body should be able to containthe kinds of articles intended to be carried within the compartment orcompartments of the body.

The tension strap may be constructed of material similar to the shoulderstrap. However, a padded section would generally not be needed. Thetension strap may be secured to anchor points on the body of the packand a shoulder strap by means similar to the fixed or adjustable meansfor securing the shoulder strap. The tension strap may be made of aninelastic or an elastic material. It is noted that the tension strap maybe a single unit of material extending between an anchor point on thebody of a pack and the exit of a channel on a shoulder strap. Or it maybe separate units of strap material or structure that are coupledtogether and adjustably provide a path of tension between the anchorpoint and the exit of the channel.

Persons skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications andvariations are possible in the details, materials, and arrangements ofthe parts and actions which have been described and illustrated in orderto explain the nature of the inventive subject matter, and that suchmodifications and variations do not depart from the spirit and scope ofthe teachings and claims contained therein.

1. A wearable pack, comprising: a generally pliable body defining avolume for the containment of articles, the body generally having aheight, width, and depth; at least one shoulder strap secured to thebody; and at least one tension strap secured to the body at a firstanchor point and adjustably secured to the body at a second anchorpoint, the tension strap routing through at least one channel disposedon the body between the anchor points so that the tension strap isaccessible in a frontal plane of the wearer so that the wearer whilewearing the pack does not need to reach rearwardly of the frontal planeto pull the tension strap, wherein at least a portion of one channel isdisposed at a front surface of the pack.
 2. A wearable pack, comprising:a generally pliable body defining a volume for the containment ofarticles, the body generally having dimensions of height, width, anddepth, and at least three of a front surface, a back surface, a topsurface, a bottom surface, and left and right side surfaces defining thevolume for containment of articles; at least one shoulder strap securedto the body; and at least one tension strap secured to the body at afirst anchor point and adjustably secured to the body at a second anchorpoint, the tension strap routing through at least one channel disposedon the body between the anchor points so that adjustment of tension onthe tension strap adjusts two or more of the dimensions simultaneously.at least one of the dimensions being the height of the pack.
 3. Thewearable pack of claim 2 wherein the tension strap is routed to ashoulder strap or hip belt disposed on the pack so that wearer canaccess a portion of the strap at that location and adjust tension. 4.The wearable pack of claim 3 wherein the routing of the tension strap isto the shoulder strap.
 5. The wearable pack of claim 4 wherein thewearable pack comprises a backpack and further comprises a secondshoulder strap and a second tension strap, the second tension straprouting to the second shoulder strap in like fashion to the routing ofthe first tension strap to the first shoulder strap, the tension strapsbeing arranged in spaced relationship generally similar to the spacingand orientation of the shoulder straps.
 6. The wearable pack of claim 1wherein a tension strap routes across a bottom surface of the pack,upwards over the front surface and to the top or back surface of thepack.
 7. The wearable pack of claim 6 wherein the tension strap routesfrom the top or back surface to a channel disposed on a shoulder strap.8. The wearable pack of claim 7 wherein a second tension strap is routedin like fashion to a second shoulder strap in like fashion to therouting of the first tension strap to the first shoulder strap.
 9. Thewearable pack of claim 1 wherein a tension strap has a portion slideablysecured to the pack using an adjustment mechanism anchored to the packat an anchor point.
 10. The wearable pack of claim 1 wherein at leastone tension strap comprises two or more separate sections that arecoupled together.
 11. The wearable pack of claim 10 wherein the sectionsare arranged linearly or sequentially.
 12. The wearable pack of claim 10wherein one section is oriented transversely to another section so thatthe tension strap has at least two arms branching off a common section.13. The wearable pack of claim 1 wherein a tension strap is arranged sothat adjustment of tension simultaneously changes the height and depthof the pack by lifting or dropping the bottom surface and moving in orout the front surface from the back surface.
 14. The wearable pack ofclaim 1 wherein the pack includes a protective compartment configuredfor securing a laptop, other computing device or other device with anelectronic display.
 15. The wearable pack of claim 14 wherein theprotective compartment is accessible from the side or back of the pack.16. The wearable pack of claim 3 wherein a tension strap is arranged sothat adjustment of tension simultaneously changes the height and depthof the pack by lifting or dropping the bottom surface and moving in orout the front surface from the back surface.
 17. The wearable pack ofclaim 16 wherein the pack includes a protective compartment configuredfor securing a laptop or computer computing device or other device withan electronic display.
 18. The wearable pack of claim 14 wherein theprotective compartment is accessible from the side or back of the pack.19. The wearable pack of claim 17 wherein the protective compartment isaccessible from the side or back of the pack.
 20. A method of making awearable pack, comprising: providing a generally pliable body defining avolume for the containment of articles, the body generally havingdimensions of height, width, and depth, and at least three of a frontsurface, a back surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, and left andright side surfaces defining the volume for containment of articles;assembling at least one shoulder strap secured to the body; andassembling at least one tension strap secured to the body at a firstanchor point and adjustably secured to the body at a second anchorpoint, the tension strap routing through at least one channel disposedon the body between the anchor points so that adjustment of tension onthe tension strap adjusts two or more of the dimensions simultaneously,at least one of the dimensions being the height of the pack.
 21. Thewearable pack of claim 1 wherein a majority of the channel portion thatis disposed at the front surface of the pack is routed along an internalside of the front surface so as to be hidden from external view.
 22. Thewearable pack of claim 2 wherein at least a portion of one channel isdisposed at the front surface of the pack and is routed along aninternal side of the front surface so as to be hidden from externalview.